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Edmonton eyes bid for 2022 Commonwealth Games

The city of Edmonton is officially competing in a $1-billion, two-horse race to get the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Alberta has signed off on a letter of intent from the city in a $7-million bid to host the games, joining Durban, South Africa. The letter was sent an hour before the deadline.

"Our city's successful history as a great event host city started with the 1978 Commonwealth Games. Hosting the games in 2022 will demonstrate to the world how much Edmonton has evolved and reflect the Commonwealth Games Federation's confidence in our city," said Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson.

City Manager Simon Farbrother said South Africa is an emerging nation coming off hosting the 2010 World Cup and will be formidable competition.

"We didn't go into there to come in second," Farbrother said.

The city has been mulling over a bid since 2012.

"These are significant bids in terms of the dollars involved, and as a city we were committed, but we also wanted to make sure the provincial government was committed to the bid," Farbrother said. "That has been confirmed by the premier."

When asked which premier signed off the letter, Farbrother replied, "the current one." That would be interim Premier Dave Hancock.

Now that the letter has been sent, the city will speak with the province as well as national and provincial sporting organizations.

Commonwealth Stadium, built to replace Clarke stadium ahead of the 1978 games, has recently undergone renovations to host another international event.

Other facilities built to host the games include the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre, Commonwealth Bowls, Argyll Velodrome and the Strathcona Shooting Range.

"The bicycle track for example needs a complete rebuild," said Farbrother. "Some of the firing ranges are 30, 40 years old, but some of our other assets we've continued to keep up. I think we will be looking at an upgrade to Kinsmen rather than a new facility."

But sports facilities aren't the only infrastructure to come with hosting the games. The first LRT line was also built for the games. He said the need to move people in an effective fashion, reinforces the need for multiple modes of transportation.

"It's really an opportunity to build legacy upon legacy," he said.

Commonwealth Stadium is designed in a way that will work for the opening and closing ceremonies. Athletics will be hosted at Foote Field.

Hancock said the games are a great opportunity for Alberta.

"With more than 70 participating countries and 4,000 athletes participating, hosting the Commonwealth Games is a valuable opportunity to showcase Alberta on the international stage. "

The city expects the province to cough up $800,000, while Edmonton will pay for 20%.

Legacy funding from the province may be available, he said.

"We would not have gone ahead with the bid unless we had a comfort level from the province," said Farbrother.

No money is expected federally, but the city will continue to ask.

"Both Brisbane and Glasgow bid with the support of their states, and in Brisbane's case their federal government came in with funding after the decision," Farbrother said.

The Edmonton Economic Development Corporation says hosting international sporting events is part of the city's economic strategy.

"This event will showcase Edmonton's passion for sport and culture of volunteerism to the world, and the economic impact of new infrastructure, jobs and a boost in tourism is an incredible opportunity for our region," said Edmonton Economic Development President and CEO Brad Ferguson.

Farbrother said Brisbane is expecting a $2-billion return from their games.

A delegation will have official observer status at this year's Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

The deadline for bids is March 2015. The winning city will be announced in September 2015.